Your Lancaster County Christmas Starts Here
Looking for Christmas things to do in Lancaster, PA this year? You'll find glowing light trails, steam trains with Santa, holiday musicals and cozy markets, all within an easy drive of one another.
We've gathered the season's best in one place, from our own Christmas Light Experience at Refreshing Mountain to longtime favorites across the county. Every listing was checked against 2026 schedules in October 2026, so you can plan with confidence.
Christmas Things to Do in Lancaster, PA at a Glance
This quick calendar lines up Christmas things to do in Lancaster, PA by opening date. Attractions that haven't announced their 2026 schedules are marked, so check their websites as the season gets closer.
| Attraction | Town | Season | Starting price | Best for |
| American Music Theatre: Winter Wonderland | Lancaster | Nov 3 – Dec 30, 2026 | Varies by seat | Families and grandparents |
| Koziar's Christmas Village | Bernville | Nov 7, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 | $11 at the gate | Old-fashioned charm |
| Refreshing Mountain Christmas Light Experience | Stevens | Select nights, Nov 13, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 | $6 - $12 to walk, $49 to zip | All ages and groups |
| Dutch Winter Wonderland | Lancaster | Select days, Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 | Varies by date | Younger kids |
| Hersheypark Christmas Candylane | Hershey | Select dates starting November 13, 2026 | Varies by date | Ride lovers |
| Strasburg Rail Road: Santa's Paradise Express | Ronks | Select dates, Nov 21 – Dec 24, 2026 | Varies by seat | Little ones and train fans |
| Kitchen Kettle Village | Intercourse | Nov 27 kick-off, Friday events through Dec 19 | Free to stroll | Shoppers |
| Fulton Theatre holiday show | Lancaster | Different shows, starting November 20, 2026 | Varies by seat | Theater lovers |
| Stone Gables Christmas Light Drive-Thru | Elizabethtown | Selected days, starting on November 23, 2026 | $30 | Staying warm in the car |
| Christmas Spirit Light Show | Lancaster | November 27 - December 31, 2026 | Starting at $25 | A Lancaster City stop |
| Christmas Magic, “A Festival of Lights | York | November 27-December 30, 2026 | $7.75 - $12.92 | Strollers and wheelchairs |
| Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill | Wyomissing | 2026 dates not yet announced | Free in past seasons | Budget-friendly nights |
| Amish Christmas Cookie Tour | Lancaster | November 20 - December 19, 2026 | Based on age: $15.95 - $59.95 | Cookie lovers |
Refreshing Mountain's Christmas Light Experience
All is bright here at Refreshing Mountain (literally!). Every winter our staff strings hundreds of thousands of lights across our wooded property in Stevens. And yes, that includes the ziplines. Laid end to end, the strands would stretch for more than 40 miles.
The Christmas Light Experience gives you two ways to see it all. Walk through the lights at your own pace, or soar above them on a zipline, then meet up at the 319Cafe for cocoa.
Winter Walk Experience
The Christmas Light Walking Path Experience follows about three-quarters of a mile of trails through a forest of light. Its displays tell a story of Christmas past, present and future, and admission includes our wildlife area.
Most guests plan on one to two hours, but walkers are welcome to stay as long as they like. You can even watch the zipliners first, then stroll the path together afterward.
Christmas Zipline Experiences
For a bird's-eye view, fly through the illuminated treetops on one of three festive packages. Choose 1 zip, 2 zips or 3 zips, each paired with 33 elevated obstacles for adventurous kids, teens and grown-ups.
Cocoa, Campfires and Giving Back
Warm up with hot cocoa from our 319 Café, open 5 to 9 p.m. every night of the lights, and gather around a campfire between adventures. It's the kind of evening guests tell us becomes a family Christmas tradition.
Christmas is the season of giving, so we feature local non-profits throughout the light season. Guests can donate on-site, and Refreshing Mountain matches those gifts up to $1,000 per non-profit.
Dates, Pricing and Booking
- Dates: Select nights, November 13, 2026 through January 2, 2027
- Walking path: $6 per child and $12 per adult
- Ziplines: $49, $59 or $69 per person for 1, 2 or 3 zips
- Groups: Save 20% with 10 or more people
- Parking: One pass per reservation, with extra passes available for $10
- Reservations: Required in advance, and registered guests are guaranteed parking
Popular nights often sell out, so check the calendar and book your Christmas Light Experience early. New this year, our inaugural Christmas Market fills the lights with local vendors on November 21.
More Christmas Light Displays in and Around Lancaster
Christmas lights in Lancaster, PA come in every style, from drive-thru shows to woodland walking trails. These seven displays are worth adding to your list, and several pair easily with an evening at Refreshing Mountain.
Stone Gables Estate Christmas Light Drive-Thru, Elizabethtown
Last season's three-mile route glowed with more than one million LED lights across this historic estate. The 2026 drive, its ninth, is themed The Life of Christ in Lights: Nativities Around the World, a meaningful reminder of what the season is about.
Christmas Spirit Light Show, Lancaster City
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes from the comfort of your car. The estate is open for drive-through on selected days, starting on November 23, 2026.
This drive-thru show turns Penn Medicine Park, home of the Lancaster Stormers, into a mile-long track of lights synchronized to Christmas music. Its 2026 dates start on November 27 and run through December 31, 2026.
In past seasons, guests could also walk the stadium concourse to see Christmas Tree Lane, with more than 100 trees decorated by local organizations. It's an easy add if you're already in Lancaster City for dinner or a show.
Dutch Winter Wonderland, Lancaster
From November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, Dutch Wonderland trades summer fun for holiday magic on select days. Expect themed rides, special entertainment, warm holiday drinks and a Royal Light Show designed with young children in mind.
Koziar's Christmas Village, Bernville
A Pennsylvania classic since 1948, Koziar's celebrates its 79th season from November 7, 2026 through January 2, 2027. Over a million lights glow across the family's farmhouse, barn and lake in nearby Berks County, and Santa visits nightly through December 23.
The self-guided walk follows paved, lighted pathways that work well for strollers and wheelchairs. Tickets are sold at the gate for $12 to $14, kids 3 and under are free, and Prime Nights add $5 per ticket.
Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill, Wyomissing
Set along the Tulpehocken Creek, Gring's Mill Recreation Area glows with about half a million lights that highlight its historic buildings. Admission and parking have been free in past seasons.
Past seasons also brought food trucks, a fire pit, live music and a model train display. The 2026 schedule hasn't been announced yet, so check with Berks County Parks before you go.
Christmas Magic, “A Festival of Lights”
York County Parks has hosted Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge County Park for more than four decades. More than one million LED lights and animated scenes line a half-mile, ADA-accessible woodland trail with a candy cane–lined walkway. Its 2026 dates begin on November 27 through December 30, 2026.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, Hershey
Just 30 minutes from Refreshing Mountain, Christmas Candylane features five million lights, family rides and select coasters, the TREEville trail and visits with Santa. Nearby, the separately ticketed Hershey Sweet Lights offers a two-mile drive past animated displays.Christmas Candylane Park in Hershey Park, opens on select dates, starting on November 13, 2026.
Christmas Shows in Lancaster, PA
When the temperature drops, some of the season's best fun moves indoors. These Christmas shows in Lancaster, PA range from Broadway-style spectacle to a hometown spin on Dickens.
American Music Theatre: Winter Wonderland
Running November 3 through December 30, 2026, Winter Wonderland takes audiences from a Bavarian mountain village to Santa's North Pole. Expect dazzling sets and costumes, a live orchestra, sacred and secular holiday songs and an appearance from Santa himself.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre: Holly Jolly Holiday
This year's holiday production is Holly Jolly Holiday, an original musical revue full of yuletide songs, dancing and a visit from Old St. Nick. As with every Dutch Apple show, a buffet meal comes with your seat, so check the theater's calendar for performance dates.
Fulton Theatre: Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Lancaster Christmas Show
From December 4 through December 27, 2026, the historic Fulton puts a local twist on A Christmas Carol. This fast, funny version is packed with Lancaster references, quick costume changes and a talented cast of five.
Sight & Sound Theatres: JOSHUA
Sight & Sound's 2026 Lancaster production is JOSHUA, which follows the Israelites from the Jordan River to the walls of Jericho. It isn't a Christmas show, but it runs through December 31 and makes a meaningful family outing over the holidays.
Christmas Trains and Farm Traditions
Some of Lancaster County's most loved traditions happen on the rails and around the kitchen table. Both of these sell out, so book as soon as you know your dates.
Strasburg Rail Road: Santa's Paradise Express
A Christmas tradition since 1959, Santa's Paradise Express is a 45-minute steam train ride through farmland to Paradise and back. Santa greets families on board with a gift for every child 11 and under, on select dates from November 21 through December 24, 2026.
Amish Christmas Cookie Tour
Hosted by the Amish Farm & House, this tour visits three Amish homes, where you'll sample homemade Christmas cookies and take the recipes home. Tour dates for 2026 fun on Fridays and Saturdays from November 20 - December 19, 2026.
Christmas Markets and Holiday Shopping
Shopping is part of the fun, and a Lancaster, PA Christmas market makes it even better. These three stops pair holiday gifts with festive extras.
Refreshing Mountain Christmas Market
On November 21, our inaugural Christmas Market brings local vendors and handcrafted gifts right into the lights. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, it's a family-friendly way to shop before your walk or zip.
Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse
Kitchen Kettle Village kicks off on Friday, November 27, with a 5:30 p.m. tree lighting, live music and a Holiday Tasting Tour. Friday-night events continue through December 19, and a Santa breakfast with caroling and a scavenger hunt runs on select dates through December 19.
Christmas Village at Stone Gables Estate, Elizabethtown
Stone Gables opens its Christmas Village, starting on Saturday, October 17, and continues on select days throughout the holiday season in November and December: Horse-drawn wagon rides are sold separately and run only on Village dates.
Christmas Activities for Groups
Planning a holiday outing for a youth group, church or work team? Christmas activities in Lancaster, PA are even better together, and Refreshing Mountain makes group planning simple.
Groups of 10 or more save 20% on Christmas Light Experiences, whether you walk the path together or book a group zip night. For a sit-down celebration, our Christmas banquets combine a festive dinner with the walk through the lights.
Teens love the ziplines and obstacles, while anyone who'd rather keep their feet on the ground can enjoy the path, campfires and café. That mix lets everyone join in at their own comfort level.
Tips for Planning Your Lancaster County Christmas
Reserve early whenever you can. Many Lancaster, PA Christmas events use timed tickets or limited parking, and December Saturdays fill up fast.
Pair a daytime activity with an evening of lights to make the most of Christmas in Lancaster, PA. Refreshing Mountain is 25 minutes north of Lancaster and 30 minutes east of Hershey, so it's an easy add after a show, train ride or shopping stop.
Wear comfortable, warm shoes for outdoor trails, since many include hills and uneven ground. Finally, confirm hours before you leave, because attractions can adjust for weather.
FAQs About Christmas in Lancaster, PA
Is there a Christmas village in Lancaster, PA?
Yes. Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown opens its Christmas Village on select days from mid-October to January 2. The famous Koziar's Christmas Village is in Bernville, in neighboring Berks County, and runs November 7, 2026 through January 2, 2027.
When do Christmas events start in Lancaster County?
Some begin in early November. American Music Theatre's Christmas show opens November 3, Koziar's opens November 7, Refreshing Mountain's lights begin November 13 and Dutch Winter Wonderland starts November 14, with many more events opening Thanksgiving weekend.
Do I need reservations to see the Christmas lights at Refreshing Mountain?
Yes. Advance reservations are required for both the walk and zipline experiences, and it's not uncommon for nights to sell out. Registered guests are guaranteed parking, with one vehicle pass included per reservation.
Are there free holiday activities near Lancaster?
Yes. Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill has offered free parking and admission, and strolling the decorated shops at Kitchen Kettle Village costs nothing. Refreshing Mountain's experiences are paid, but walking tickets start at just $6.
What should I wear to zipline through Christmas lights?
Dress like you're going skiing, minus the helmet, skis and ski boots. We'd much rather you be bundled up than cold, so layer up and bring gloves and a hat.
Is the Refreshing Mountain walking path stroller and wheelchair friendly?
Yes, with a few things to know. Paved areas offer plenty of lights, but the walking path also has rough, uneven surfaces and hills, so strollers and electric wheelchairs with larger tires work best.
Can I bring my dog?
Registered service animals are welcome at Refreshing Mountain. Otherwise, pets aren't permitted during the Christmas season, and Koziar's also admits service animals only.
Ending on a Bright Note
At Refreshing Mountain, we love seeing families connect and make memories that last long after the lights go out. Each of these Christmas things to do in Lancaster, PA brings its own sparkle, reminding us of the joy, peace and hope this season holds.
Plan your night at the Refreshing Mountain Christmas Light Experience and make this year your brightest yet. Shopping for someone special? Our gift cards for the 2027 season give the gift of memories.